An Air Accidents Investigation Branch report published today has revealed the helicopter had descended to 2,060ft when it smashed into a rock outcrop on Rhinog Fawr, in a remote area between Trawsfynydd and Harlech.

Investigators also found the pilot had been experienced and no fault was found with the controls.

The Burke family had been flying to Ireland for a family event, having taken off from Hertfordshire.

At first it was thought the aircraft may have come down in the sea, but after no automatic beacon had been activated the hunt was switched to the mountains, with seven rescue teams taking part.